Apparatus for localizing the effects of accidental fires



J. B. SCHAUS APPARATUS FOR LOCALIZING THE EFFECTS OF ACCIDENTAL FIRES April 24, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 15, 1947 ENTOE 04% 046.2? rr awx ATTOffiS.

April 24, 1951 I sciug 2,549,936

APPARATUS FOR LQCALIZING THE EFFECTS OF ACCIDENTAL FIRES Filed Jan. 15, 1947 4 Sheets-shat 2 A TTOR/VE ya Aprll 24, 1951 J, B, sc s 2,549,936-

APPARATUS FOR LOCALIZING THE EFFECTS OF ACCIDENTAL FIRES Filed Jan. 15, 1947 4 sheets-Shee 3 w Kw 2 A A E QN v April 24, 1951 J. B. SCHAUS 2,549,936

APPARATUS FOR LOCALI ZING THE EFFECTS OF ACCIDENTAL FIRES Filed Jan. 15, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 115 .1151: f2 a, :1, 1a. il 1 INVENTOR. 3 M iv W irr'neya Patented Apr. 24, 1951 APPARATUS FOR LOCALIZING THE EFFECTS OF ACCIDENTAL FIRES Jack B. Schaus, Buffalo, N. Y. Application January 15, 1947, Serial No. 722,151

15 Claims. 1

This invention relates to apparatus for localizing the effects of an accidental or arsonous fire and more particularly to apparatus for dividing a vertical shaft, such as an elevator shaft, into a plurality of compartments which are sufficiently tight to substantially prevent the passage of the products of combustion of a fire in one part of the building and are also fireproof to prevent the spread of fire by burning away the apparatus.

It is well known, particularly in modern multistory buildings such as hospitals, hotels and office buildings, that the greater loss of life occurs not through burning but through suffocation from the products of combustion from the fire which may be very remote from the place Where the greatest loss of life occurs. Thus, a fire of little consequence in itself may start on the first floor of a hotel or oflice building but generate a. large volume of deadly products of combustion which, because of their high temperature, sweep up the elevator shafts, dumbwaiter shafts, postal drops and other vertical shafts, to discharge into the upper floors to cause widespread death by suffocation. This sweep of the products of combustion further causes a powerful draft both for feeding the original fire with fresh oxygen and also for causing its spread upthe elevator or other shafts and to the floors above. While elevator shafts can be enclosed and also can be provided with imperforate metal or metal and glass doors, these doors are never hermetically sealed on closing to prevent the passage of the hot products of combustion into the shaft and once in the shaft a powerful draft is created which converts the shaft into a flue against which the elevator doors are practically inutile.

It is accordingly one of the principal objects of the present invention to provide apparatus for dividing a shaft, such as an elevator shaft, of a multi-story building, into a plurality of compartments which are sufiiciently tight against gas pressure to prevent the passage of products of combustion from an accidental fire and thereby prevent the spread of lethal gases from the fire to other fioors of the building.

Another object is to provide such apparatus which is itself fireproof o that in the event flames enter one of the compartments the apparatus will not burn away but Will act as a barrier to the spread of the fire.

Another object is to provide such apparatus which does not interfere with the normal use for which the shaft is designed.

Another object is to provide such apparatus which can rapidly be rendered operative and inoperative, thereby to permit of fire drill and-full inspection as to its operativeness.

Another aim is to provide such apparatus which can be rendered operative in response 'to a fire by any usual device, such as by a device responsive to th high temperature generated by a fire and also by the action of the watchman o guard of the building.

Another purpose is to provide such apparatus which is entirely reliable in its operation, such being a prime requisite in apparatus of this character. v

Another object is to provide such apparatus which can be installed in buildings already erected and which does not require elaborate alterations of usual architectural practices in placing it in buildings as a part of the original design thereof.

Another object is to provide such apparatus which is light in weight and which can be installed at a cost which will enable the apparatus to pay for itself through the savings in insurance premiums.

Other objects and advantages of the invention .will appear from the following description and drawings in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an elevator shaft, with parts broken away and showing apparatus embodying one form of the present invention in an inoperative position. 1

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the apparatus in an operative position.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section across the elevator shaft as shown in Fig. 2, this section being on line 88, Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary vertical section taken on line 99, Fig. 3.

Fig. 10is a, view similar to Fig. 3 and showing a modified form of the invention.

Fig. 11 is a vertical section taken generally on line ll-Il, Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary horizontal enlarged sectional view taken generally on line I2-|2,

Fig. 11.

' Fig. 13 is an elevational view, partly in'section, of a vertical recess provided for the movement of 3I at the upper end of the elevator shaft.

the counterweight of an elevator and showin a modified form of the invention in which the partition is hinged and falls by gravity to provide a closure across this recess, such falling being aided by a kick spring.

Fig. 14 is a horizontal section taken generally on line I4--I4, Fig. 13.

Fig. is a vertical section taken on line I5-I 5, Fig. 14.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1-9, the numerals I5a, I51), I50 and [5d represent the successive floors of a building, each having an opening, the openings being in vertical alinement and forming a vertical elevator shaft. In this shaft are arranged the usual opposite rails I6 for the elevator car I8, these rails being shown as being T-shaped in cross section and guiding the elevator car I 3 in its vertical movement along the shaft. The car I8 is suspended by the usual group of cables I9, these cables being shown as being in line with each other andas passing over a pulley at the top of the elevator shaft.

In the event of an accidental fire in the building, the elevator shaft is divided into a plurality of compartments by partitions embodying the ter. The partition 220'! comprises a generall rec- 1 tangular body of asbestos 23d which is of substantial thickness and encased in a metal shell comprising a top plate 24d, a bottom plate 25d, and marginal binding plates 26d, these edge binding plates being shown as having their opposite edges welded to thecorresponding edges of the top and bottom plates 24d and 25d. The partitions are shown'as having a pair of holes on opposite sides of the elevator cable I9, the pair of .holes for the partition 22d being indicated at 28d, and these pairs of holes of all of the partitions register with one another to receive cables '29. The lower end of these cables is secured to an anchorage arranged under and supporting the lowermost partition 22a and the upper ends of these cables are shown as passing over pulleys In the inoperative position of the apparatus these partitions 22 are stacked at the top of the elevator shaft, as. indicated in Fig. 1 and are supported by the cables 29. When an accidental fire occurs in any part of the building, means (not shown) are provided for paying out the cables 29 thereby lowering the partitions 22. As the stack of partitions is lowered,'they are successively caught at different levels, these levels being shown as coincident with the floors of the building, the uppermost partition 2211 being caught at the. topmost level, the next lower partition 220 being caught at the next lower level, the third lower partition being caught at the next lower level, and so on. Means are also provided to establish a sealed joint between each partition so caught so as to divide the elevator shaft. into compartments and thereby eifectively localize a fire in any part of the building.

For this purpose each partition is provided at its four corners with studs, these studs, for the partition 2201, being indicated at 32d and I32d,

these studs projecting from opposite ends of the 4 partition and being shown as projecting parallel with the guide rails I6 for the elevator. The studs 32d are fixed and the studs I32d are movable for a purpose which will presently appear. The studs 32d, I32d for the partition 22d are shown as caught in sockets 33d secured to the floor I5d Within the elevator shaft and in position to receive the studs 32d, I320Z of the partition 22d and thereby catch and hold this partition at the level of the uppermost floor I5d. Each of the sockets 32d is set into a recess 34d in the floor I561, this recess extending from the elevator shaft. The purpose of the recess SM is to permit the uninterfered with passage of the studs of the partitions 220, 221) and 22a stacked under the uppermost partition 22d, and for this purpose it will be noted that the studs 320, I320 are offset inwardly relative to the corresponding studs of the partition 22d and that the studs 32?), I321) and 32a, I32a are progressively offset inwardly. Each recess 3 1d is of substantial width so as to permit the passage of the entire group of offset studs of the partitions 22a, 2211.

and 220, the studs 32d, I32d of the uppermost partition being caught by the sockets 33a so as to catch and hold the uppermost partition 22d in line with the uppermost floor lid. The recess 340 is of less width than the recess 34d since it is only required to be of sufficient width to permit the passage of the studs 32a, 532a and 3222, I321), the studs 320, I320 for the partition 220 being caught in the sockets 330 at the level of the floor I5c. In turn, the recesses 3422 are narrower than the recesses 340 since they are only required to permit the passage of the studs 32a, I32a, the studs 321), I32?) of the partition 22b being caught by the sockets 33b in these recesses 342) so as to engage and retain the partition 2212 at the level of the floor I5b. This relation obtains between the recesses, sockets and studs of all of the floors so that as the group of partititons 22 is lowered on paying out the cable 29, the studs of the uppermost partition are caught at the highest level by the sockets and the group of partitions thereunder permitted to proceed downwardly, the studs of these partitions being progressively caught until the entire group of partitions are arranged at the levels of the sockets.

In order to seal the recesses '34 against the passage of lethal gases and flame each partition carries four blocks which fitand seal those portions of these recesses which are not occupied by the sockets. Thus, these blocks for the par tition 22d are indicated at 35d, these blocks being preferably made of a soft yielding material, such as relatively soft asbestos, so as to snugly fit the part of recess 3 3d not occupied by the socket 3301. As compared with the corresponding blocks for the other partitions, it will be noted that the blocks 35d for the partition 22d are relatively long so as to completely fill the unoccupied part of the recesses Md. The blocks for the succeeding lower partitions 22a, 22b and 22a are progressively shorter because the recesses 340, 341) and 34a for these partitions are narrower.

Means are also provided for sealing each partition against the opposite rail is for the elevator so that lethal gases or flames cannot pass between any of the partitions and these rails. For this purpose the uppermost partition 22d is shown as having a pair of U-shaped blocks 36d of soft non-combustible material, such as asbestos, set into the same in position to embrace the projecting part of the rail I6, the material forming these blocks 36d being sufficiently soft to provide an effective seal between the partition and this rail and at the same time not interfere with the vertical movement of the partitions in the elevator shaft. Additionally, blocks 31d of soft asbestos are carried by the partition 22d alongside the U-shaped block 36d, these blocks completing the seal between this partition 22d and the rails and also adjacent sides of the elevator shaft. The other partitions 22a, 22b and 220 are provided with blocks similar to these blocks 36d and 31d, these blocks being distinguished by corresponding letters.

Each of thepartitions 22 has a rectangular opening at-its center for the elevator cables 29, this opening in the partition 22d being designated at 40d and extending through the asbestos core 23d, top plate 24d and bottom plate25d. The elevator cables I9 constantly work in'these openings 40 through these several partitions, even when these partitions are stacked in their elevated inoperative positions shown in Fig. 1, and it will therefore be seen that these openings must provide a substantial clearance around the group of elevator cables. While the presence of this large opening is immaterial when the stack of partitions is in the elevated inoperative position shown in Fig. 1, it will be seen that a seal must be provided in these openings and against the elevator cables when the partitions are in their lowered operative position shown in Fig. 2, since otherwise the lethal gases and flames would be free to travel freely up the elevator shaft through these elevator cable openings in the partitions.

Again particularly describing the partition 22d, the means for sealing the opening 40a. for the elevator cables are constructed as follows, similar provision being made in the other partitions:

As best shown in Fig. 8, the studs 320! at one end of the partition 22 are fixed to the edge or binding strips 26d of this partition but the pair of studs I32d at the oppostie end of this partition form parts of bell crank levers, each of these studs projecting through a vertical slot 4Id in the corresponding binding plate 26d and being pivoted within a compartment 42d behind this slot, as indicated at 43d. Each stud I32d forms one arm of this bell crank lever, the other arm 44d extending downwardly and being pivotally connected by a link 4511 with a rock arm 46d pivoted to the partition as indicated at 48d. The other arm of the rock lever 46d is connected by a toggle link 49d with a block 50d, this block being mounted for sliding movement, as shown in Fig. 7, toward the corresponding side of the group of elevator cables I9. These blocks 50d. are preferably made of relatively soft asbestos and are shown as being indented to receive the cables I9, the two blocks 5011 working from op- 'posite sides of these cables to completely enclose the openings 40d through the partition 22d. The asbestos core 23d of the partition is suitably recessed to receive the linkage and other mechanism above described and a small return spring 5I'd is provided to normally hold this linkage in the inoperative position shown in Fig. '7. In this inoperative position the sealing blocks 50d are retracted from engagement with the cables I9 and the studs I32d are in the downwardly inclining position shown in Fig. 8.

When the partition 22d is lowered so that its studs I32d engage the corresponding sockets 33d, the. pair of movable studs I32d are moved from lethal gases and flame.

their downwardly inclined inoperative position, as indicated in Fig. 8, to a horizontal position, the bell crank, of which each of these studs I32d forms a part, being oscillated clockwise in this movement. This movement of each movable stud I32d and its other arm 44d draws the corresponding link 45d outwardly thereby to rotate the rock arm 4611 against the resistance of its spring Ski and into a position to move the corresponding toggle link 49d and sealing block 50d into engagement with the sides of the elevator cables I9. Since two such blocks and mechanisms are provided for each partition it will be seen that these blocks are automatically and. jointly moved to their sealing position when the partition is caught by the sockets 33d.

With the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1-9, it will be seen that as the stack of partitions is lowered the studs 32, I32 of the successive partitions are progressively caught by the sockets 33 so that the partitions 22 are distributed at the diiferent'levels of these sockets and form a series of fire resistant partitions which divide the elevator shaft into a series of separate compartments. When so positioned the side binding plates 26d of the several partitions snugly fit the sides of the elevator shaft so as to prevent the passage of the products of combustion from an accidental fire around these sides of the several partitions. Further, the soft asbestos blocks 35 serve to seal the openings which would otherwise be provided by the recesses 34, these recesses being necessitated by the selective arrangement of the studs 32, I32 required in order to locate the partitions at the diiferent levels. The soft asbestos blocks 36 and 3'! recessed into each partition around the rails I6 also provide an adequate fire seal between each partition and each of these rails. An adequate fire seal is also provided between each partition and the group of elevator cables I9 through the movement of the movable studs I32. When these studs are caught in the corresponding sockets 34 they are 'moved upwardly, rotating about the pins 43 so as to swing the arms 44 and links 45 outwardly. This in turn rotates the arms 46 about their pivots 48 and against the resistance of their springs 5| so as to move the toggle links 49 and sealing blocks 50 toward each other and against opposite sides of the elevator cables so as to effectively seal the large openings 40 provided in the partitions for these cables. It will therefore be seen that when each partition 22 is in position the elevator shaft is effectively compartmented and each partition sealed against the passage of lethal fumes and fire so that a fire in any part of the building is localized in that part and its effect is not permitted to be conducted through the elevator shaft to other parts of the building.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 10-12, the elevator shaft is divided into compartments by a series of horizontal partitions, indicated generally at 52, which are slid horizontally across the elevator shaft to provide dividers which are sealed against the passage of The elevator shaft is provided with the usual elevator cables 53 and On its opposite sides with the usual tracks or rails 54 for the elevator car (not shown), these rails being shown as being T-shaped in cross section. The elevator shaft is also shown as provided in two of its corners with control cables 55. Each of these partitions is normally retracted into'a horizontal rectangular compart- .ment- 56 provided in each floor 51 alongside the elevator shaft and communicating therewith, as indicated at 58. This opening 58 between each compartment 55 and the elevator shaft 54- is in that wall 59 of the elevator shaft which connects the walls carrying the rails 54. Each compartment 56 is shown as provided with a sheet metal bottom 59 and is shown as having horizontal steel angles 60 recessed into its bottom and also into its opposite side walls and which form rails on which the partition 52 slides. These steel angles or slidewaystll extend horizontally outwardly into the elevator shaft up to the elevator rails 5c, the vertical flanges of thesesteel angles preferably being arranged flush with the attaching flanges of the T-shaped elevator rails, as best shown in Fig. 10. Beyond the elevator rails and opposite each opening 58, a U-shaped buck plate 6| is secured within the elevator shaft.

This U-shaped buck plate extends horizontally along the wall opposite each opening 58 to the compartment 56 and its side legs extend horizontally along the elevator shaft walls which carry the elevator rails 54 and up to the attaching flanges for these elevator rails. This U-shaped buck plate is shown as carrying a number of soft asbestos blocks which are permanently attached thereto and which cooperate with movable sealing slides or blocks on the partition 52 as hereinafter described. A pair of these fixed or permanent blocks, each designated at 63, is secured to the inner face of the U- shaped buck plate 6| at the opposite extremities of the buck plate and in contact with the elevator rails 54, the vertical face of each of these blocks and which is remote from the corresponding elevator rail being beveled, as best indicated at 62, Fig. 12. Another pair of these fixed or permanent blocks 64 is secured to the inner face of the U-shaped buck plates 6! in the two corners thereof, the opposing faces of these blocks being beveled, as indicated at 65, and these permanent blocks 64 also having vertical holes therethrough which receive the control cables 55. The last of these permanent or fixed blocks, designated at 66, is secured to the inner face of the U-shaped buck plate 6| at the center thereof, and its opposite vertical faces opposing the beveled faces 65 of the blocks 64 are beveled, as indicated at 61.

The partition 52 comprises a core or body 68 of asbestos or the like, a metal top plate 69, a metal bottom plate 19, and a metal rear end wall H. The rear end portion of this partition 52 is of rectangular form and is provided on its opposite sides with strips or bars 73 of relatively soft asbestos which provide a seal against the steel angles or slideways 60 on opposite sides of the elevator shaft and compartment 56. At the forward ends of the sealing strip or bars 13 the partition carries blocks 14, also of soft asbestos, which provide a seal against the corresponding sides of the elevator rails 54 and which extend around the opposing sides thereof. At the center of this rear rectangular part 12 each partition carries another block 75 of soft asbestos or the like, which seals against the corresponding sides of the elevator cables 53.

The forward end of eachpartition 52 is bifurcated to project between the elevator car cables 53 and each of the elevator car rails, each bifurcation, for this purpose, being in the form of a rectangular extension 13, the sides of which are in line with the blocks 14 which seal the corresponding-rails 54 and are in line with the.

.of levers 93.

outer sides of the group of elevator cables 53. By this arrangement of these rectangular extensions 18 it will be seen that when the'partition 52 is projected forwardly each extension 18 passes between the cables 53 and the corresponding rail'54. The forward end of each of these rectangular extensions is provided with an elongated bar 19 of soft asbestos or the like which fits against the opposing face of the, buck plate 6| and also has its ends beveled to fit the beveled faces 65 vand}?! of the permanent blocks 64 and66, respectively, which are fixed to this buck plate. It will be seen. that thesoft asbestos blocks or bars 64; 66 and 19 provide an adequate sea] at thev leading end of, the partition 52 against the passageyof flames or lethal gases. The rectangular extensions mare formed byextensions of,th e-top plate 69, the bottom plate 10 and the asbestos core 68 of the partition, the core 68 being recessed to receive the blocks and the operating mechanism therefor and which are projected to complete the closure of the elevator shaft. These blocks a and their operating mechanism are preferably constructed as follows: I

The forward extensions 18 are recessed along their opposing sides, as indicated at 80, these recesses being provided by terminating the asbestos core 68 a substantial distance short of the opposing edges of the forward extension of the upper and lower face plates 69 and E0 of the partition. In each of these recesses is slidingly mounted a rectangular block 8| which preferably comprises an asbestos core 82 faced-with metal 83, the asbestos core projecting from the metal jackets along the opposing sides of these blocks so as to form a seal between the two blocks 31 when they are slid out of the recesses 86 into engagement with each other, as best shown in Fig. 10.

terminating the asbestos core 68 a substantial distance short of the corresponding edges of the upper and lower face plates 69 and it of the partition. In-each of these recesses is slidingly arranged arectangular block 84 which is shown as comprising a metal jacket 85 which is U- shaped in cross section and housing a core 86 of soft asbestos, one edge 89 projectingbeyond the terminal edgesof the U-shaped jacket to provide a seal fitting against the corresponding inner face of the buck plate 6!. The ends of the seal 88 are formed to fit against the corresponding surfaces of the permanent asbestos blocks 63 and 9 3 which are fixed to the buck plate 9|.

The blocks 8! and 84 are projected transversely of the line of travel of the partition 52 as it app-roaches theend of its movement and for this purpose a plunger 99 is slidingly mounted in the center of each of the extensions T8 to normally project forwardly therefrom. The rear end of each of these plungers carries a pin 9| which fits in slots 52 along the opposing ends of a pair Each of these leversis pivoted to the partition at 99 and. the unslotted ends of these levers are drawn together by'ia pairof springs 95, the adjacent ends of which are anchored to the partition in any suitable'manner. The unslotted ends of. each of these levers193. is

connected by a link 96 to the corresponding block 8| or 84. It will be seen that in reaching the fully closed position of the partition 52, the two plungers 90 projecting from the leading edge thereof engage the buck plate BI and are forced rearwardly. This moves the slotted ends of the levers 93 rearwardly thereby to spread the unslotted ends thereof, this being resisted by the springs 95 and these levers swinging about the pivots 94. The spreading of the unslotted ends of the levers 93 spreads the links 96 and the blocks 8i and 84, thereby to move the blocks '8I into sealed engagement with each other and the blocks 84 into sealed engagement with the buck plate 6| and permanent blocks 63 and 64.

It is apparent that if the blocks 84 were the full length of the recesses 83 the partition 52 could not be retracted since these blockswould catch on the rails 54. To overcome this defect a block 98 of asbestos or the like is slidably mounted in the end of each block 84 which opposes the rail 54, this block being guided by a vertical partition 99 to slide lengthwise of the line of movement of the partition 52. Each of these blocks 98 is biased toward the corresponding rail 54 by a helical compression spring I and the end of each block 98 i formed to fit the corresponding rail 54 and have sealed engagement therewith. Each block 98 carries a detent IOI in the form of a plunger which is urged into its outwardly projected position by a spring I02, this plunger projecting toward the center line of movement of the partitions 52 and being limited in its projecting movement by a shoulder I03. When both the companion blocks 84 and 98 are fully retracted the plunger or detent IOI enters a socket I04 carried by the partition 52.

It will be seen that when the partition 52 is retracted the movement of the two blocks 98 is impeded by the rails 54 and hence these blocks move within the blocks 84 against the resistance of the springs I00. At the same time the blocks 84 are being drawn toward each other by the springs 93 since the plungers 90 are being released from engagement with the buck plate 6|. This joint movement of the blocks 84 and 98 continues, the plunger I-0I being compressed against its spring I02 until it encounters the socket I04 when it springs into this socket. When the partition is again placed in operation, the blocks 84 spread without relative movement of the blocks 98 until the plungers or detents I0! clear the sockets I04. When this take place the blocks 98, under the biasing of the springs I00, spring in a reverse direction as compared with the main partition 52 and into sealed engagement with the rails 54 and permanent blocks 63.

While any suitable mechanism canbe provided for projecting and retracting the partition 52, this mechanism is shown as comprising a pantograph or lazy tong structure I05 housed within the compartment 56 andhaving one end fastened to the rear of this compartment and its other end fastened to the rear end of the partition. This pantograph is shown as being actuated by an electric motor I06 driving a screw I08 which threadedly engages a nut I09 on the pantograph structure.

In Figs. 13, 14 and 15 is shown another form of closure for shafts, it being illustrated as a closure for the space between the vertical rails III] for the counterweight (not shown) of an elevator.

These rails are shown as being set against one wall of the elevator shaft and as backed by permanent fire stops Ill so as to form a vertical way for the counterweight (not shown) of the elevator. Except for this way, the elevator shaft can be partitioned by either of the forms of the invention previously described and the purpose of the closure shown in Figs. 13-15 is to provide a closure for this way between the rails IIO.

For this purpose, at the level of each main partition for the elevator shaft, :a recess H2 is provided in the wall behind the counterweight rails III), and in this recess is arranged a block II3 made of suitable insulating material. This block is shown as comprising a, core I I4 of asbestos or the like and a metal shell H5 and this shell is shown as secured at its lower edge to the wall of the elevator shaft by a pair of hinges I I1. This block is generally of T-shaped form so that when this block swings to a horizontal position it fills the space behind the rails III] and also between these rails and extends out of a place coplanar with the outer edges of these rails, as best shown in Fig. 14. This block I I3 is normally held in the recess II2 by a fusible link H 6 which can be of any suitable form and mountingand a helical compression spring H8 is arranged in a recess behind this block and urges the block against the fusible link. In the event of :a fire the fusible link melts and the spring II-8 moves the block forwardly, this block falling to the horizontal dotted line position shown in Fig. 14.

The outer extremity of the block II3 carries a pair of small blocks II9 which are slidably mounted so as to be capable of being projected parallel with the axis of the hinges I I! in front of the track parts of the rails H2 and thereby complete the closure of the 'way between these rails. For this purpose the core H4 is recessed and each block I I9, is urged outwardly by a helical compression spring I20, a fusible link I2I being provided to prevent this movement except in the event of a fire.

An important feature of this arrangement is that the fusible links I2| must have a higher melting point than the fusible link I I6. When a fire occurs the fusible link I I6 melts first, thereby to permit the spring II 8 to urge the block H3 forwardly, this block swinging about its hinges I I! to the horizontal full line position shown by dotted lines in Fig. 14. Thereafter, the two fusible links melt and the springs I 20 urge the two small blocks H9 outwardly and into the remaining open spaces in front of the rails H0. The closure is thereby completed against the upwardly fiow of flames or gases.

With reference to all forms of the invention shown, it will be noted that the partitions in their operative position are horizontally disposed. It will be appreciated, however, that they could be placed at an angle to the horizontal with, of course, the attendant disadvantage that a, larger partition would be required. The invention, however, includes such variations and hence the term horizontal as used in the accompanying claims is meant to include such non-vertical arrangements of partitions for generally vertical shafts. Also, while the invention has been particularly described with reference to multiple story surface buildings, it will be seen that the invention is also applicable to vertical mine shafts and the invention is therefore not to be construed as limited to any particular use but as applicable wherever it is desirable to divide a vertical shaft into compartments to impede the spread of fumes or fire.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the against present invention comprises an effective way for compartmenting the vertical shafts of a multistory building, thereby to localize an accidental fire to the area in which it starts and to prevent the spread of flames and lethal gases to other floors of the building and with resultant loss of life.

Iclaim: j

1 In a multiple story building having a vertical shaft extending through successive floors and havingla t least-one horizontal compartment communicating with one side of said shaft, the combination therewith of meansfor dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire, comprising a partition arranged in said compartment,

means slidably supporting said partition for horizontal movement from said compartment across said shaft to provide a closure therefor, and means for'moving said partition into and out of 'said'compa'rtment and across said shaft.

2. In a multiple story building having a vertical shaft extending through successive floors and having at least one compartment communicating with f one side of said shaft, the combination therewith of means for dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire, comprising horizontal rails arranged at the opposite sides of said compartment and projecting into opposite sides ofsaid shaft, a partition slidably mounted on said rails and movable along said rails from said compartment across said shafts to provide a closure therefor, and means for moving said partition into and out of said compartment and across said shaft.

-means for dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire, comprising a horizontal partition arranged in said compartment, means slidably supporting said partition for movement from said compartment across said shaft, portions of said partition being recessed to conform to the irregularities of said shaft and to render said partition capable of engaging the wall of said shaft opposite from said compartment, means for moving said partition into and out of said compartment and across said shaft, at least one closure member carried by said partition adjacent said recessed portion, and means for moving said closure member to close said recessed portions.

4. In a multiple story building having a vertical shaft extending through successive floors and having rails for the elevator car along opposite sides thereof and having a horizontal compartment communicating with a third side of said shaft, the combination therewith of means for dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire, comprising a horizontalpartition arranged in said compartment, means slidably supporting said partition for horizontal move,- ment from said compartment across said shaft, the side portions of the leading part of said partition being recessed to pass said side rails and to render'said partition capable of engaging the wall of said shaft opposite from said compartment, meansfor moving said partition into and 'out of said compartment and across said shaft,

closure memberscarried by said partition adjacent said recessed-portions, and means carried bysaid partition for moving said closure members to close said recessed portions.

In a multiple story building having a vertical shaft extendin through successive floors and housing an elevator car and a central cable therefor and having a horizontal compartment communicating with one side of said shaft, the combination therewith of means for dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire, comprising a horizontal partition arranged in aid compartment, means slidably supporting said partition for horizontal movement from said compartment across said shaft, the leading part of said partitionbeing bifurcated lengthwise of its line of movement to provide a recess in clearing said cable to render said partition capable of engaging the wall of said shaftopposite said compartment, means for moving said partition into and out of said compartment and across said shaft, a closure member arranged adjacent said recess, and means for moving said closure member to close said recess.

6. In a multiple story buildin having a vertical shaft extending through successive floors and having rails along opposite sides thereof and housing an elevator car guided by said rails and a central cable therefor and having a horizontal compartment communicating with a third side of said shaft, the combination therewith of means for dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire comprising a horizontal partition arranged in said compartment, means slidably supporting said partition for horizontal movement from said compartment across said shaft, the leading part of said partition being bifurcated lengthwise of its line of movement to provide a central recessed portion in clearing said cable and being provided with side recessed portions in clearing said rails to render said partition ca pable of engaging the wall of said shaft opposite from said compartment, means for moving aid partition into and out of said compartment and across said shaft, closures arranged adjacent said recessed portions, and means for moving said closures to close said recessed portions.

7. In a multiple story building having a vertical shaft extending through successive floors and of irregular shape in horizontal section and having a horizontal compartmentcommunicating with one side of said shaft, the combination therewith of means for dividing said shaft intocompartments in the event of fire, comprising a horizontal partition arranged in' said compartment, means slidably supporting said partition for movement from said compartment across said shaft, portions of said partition being recessed to conform to the irregularities of said shaft and to render said partition capable of engaging the wall of said shaft opposite from said compartment,

'means for moving said partition into and out of said compartment and across said shaft, at least one block slidably mountedon said partition to move transversely of the line of movement of said partition across said recessed portions, and means moving said sliding block to close said recessed portions.

8. In a multiple story building having a vertical shaft extending through successive floors and of irregular shape in horizontal section and having a horizontal compartment communicating with one side of said shaft, the combination therewith of means for dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire, comprising a horizontal partition arranged in said compartment, means slidably supporting said partition for 'movement from said :compartment across said shaft, portions of said partition being recessed to conform to the irregularities of said shaft and to render said partition capable of engaging the wall of, said shaft opposite from ,said compartment, means for moving said partition into and out of said compartment and across said shaft, at least one block slidably mounted on said partition to move transversely of the line of movement of said partition across said recessed portions, and means moving said sliding block to close said recessed porti ns comprising a plunger projecting forwardly from the leading edge of said partition and moving toward said partition b engagement with said opposite wall, and means for moving said sliding block through motion derived from said plunger.

9. In a multiple story building having a vertical shaft extending through successive floors and of irregular, shape in horizontal section and having a horizontal compartment communicating with one side of said shaft, the combination therewith of means for dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire, comprising a horizontal partition arranged in said compartment, means slidably supporting said partition for movement from said compartment across said shaft, portions of said partitions being recessed to conform to the irregularities of said shaft and to render said partition capable of engaging the wall of said shaft opposite from said compartment, means for moving said partition into and out of said compartment and across said shaft, at least one block slidably mounted on said partition to move transversely of the line of movement of said partition across said recessed portions, means moving said block to close said recessed portions, and a spring loaded block forming that end of said first block which i trailing with reference to the forward line of movement of said partition thereby to permit reverse movement of said partition prior to the complete withdrawal of said first block.

10. In a multiple story building having a vertical shaft extending through successive floors and of irregular shape in horizontal section and having a horizontal compartment communicating with one side of said shaft, the combination therewith of means for dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire, comprising a horizontal partition arranged in said compartment, means slidably upporting said partition for movement from said compartment across said shaft, portions of said partition being recessed to conform to the irregularities of said shaft and to render said partition capable of engaging the wall of said shaft opposite from said compartment, means for moving said partition into and out of said compartment and across said shaft, at least one block slidably mounted on said partition to move transversely of the line of movement of said partition across said recessed portions, means moving said block to close said recessed portions, and means for latching said spring loaded block in its retracted position prior to the substantially complete projection of said first block.

11. In a multiple story building having a vertical shaft extending through successive floors, the combination therewith of means for dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire, comprising at least one movable partition fitting said shaft, means supporting said partition in an inoperative position at one end of said shaft and permitting full use of said shaft, means for supporting said partition in a horizontal operative position across an intermediate part of said shaft to divide said shaft into said compartments, and means for moving said partition from said first 14 supporting I 'means to said second supporting means.

12. In a multiple story building having a vertical shaft extending through successive floors, the combination therewith of means for dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire, comprising at least one movable partition fitting said shaft, means for supporting said partition in an inoperative position at one end of said shaft and permitting full use of said shaft, a plurality of retaining members projecting outwardly from the side edges of said partition, a plurality of retaining members fixedin said shaft to engage said first retaining members and support said partition in a horizontal operative position across an intermediate part of said shaft to divide said shaft into said compartments, and means for moving said partition from said first supporting means to a position in which said retaining members interengage.

13. In a multiple story building having a vertical shaft extending through successive floors, the combination therewith of mean for dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire, comprising at least one movable partition fitting said shaft and adapted to form a closure therefor except for certain portions of said shaft, means for supporting said partition in an inoperative position at one end of said shaft and permitting full use thereof, a plurality of retaining members projecting horizontally outwardly from the edges of said partition, certain of said retaining members being vertically movable with reference to said partition, a plurality of retaining members arranged to engage said first retaining members and support said partition in a horizontal operative position across an intermediate portion of the shaft to divide said shaft into said compartments, means for moving said partition from said first supporting means to effect internegagement between said retaining members, a closure member movably mounted on said partition adjacent said certain portions, and means actuated by the movement of said certain retaining members for moving said closure member to close said certain portions.

14. In a multiple story building having a Vertical shaft extending through successive floors, the combination therewith of means for dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire, comprising a plurality of movable partitions fitting said shaft, means for supporting said partitions in inoperative position at one end of said shaft and permitting full use thereof, each of said partitions being provided with a plurality of regaining members extending horizontally outwardly from the edges thereof and the retaining members of each partition being arranged vertically out of line with the retaining members of the other partitions, a plurality of groups of complementary retaining members secured within said shaft and arranged at different levels, said complementary retaining members of each group being arranged to receive the first retaining members of corresponding partitions, each partition being recessed adjacent each of said first retaining members thereon to permit the passage of the partition past said complementary retaining members for the other partitions, and a block fitting each of said recesses and mounted in said shaft adjacent said complementary retaining members for that partition.

15. In a multiple story building having a vertical shaft extending through successive floors and an elevator cage traversing said shaft, the com- 'bination therewith of means for dividing said shaft into compartments in the event of fire, comprising at least one movable partition fitting said shaft, means arranged to support said partition in a horizontal inoperative position outside of said path to permit full use of said shaft by said elevator cage, means arranged to support said partition by a horizontal operative position across said shaft to divide said shaft into compartments, and means for moving said partition from said inoperative to said operative positions in a substantially rectilinear path.

' JACK B. SCI-IAUS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 

